Undeniably, the student-teacher relationship is of critical importance. If I may briefly wax poetic, it is these sculptors’ gentle hands responsible for tomorrow’s masterworks, not made in clay but living and breathing beings, themselves capable of creation. Considering their essential position as the molder of minds, it is proper we as students recognize them – not only on May Day, but as frequently as possible.
A brief historical note: May Day or International Workers Day (not to be confused with the ancient festival of the same name) was officially proclaimed in Paris, during a meeting of the Second Socialist International commemorating the infamous Haymarket Bombing. Its principle aims were to unite all workers in search of higher wages and superior conditions. Though our labor-oriented holiday occurs in late summer, May Day attracts many celebrators across the world, all united in solidarity with other working folk.
Parallel to May Day is Teacher Appreciation Week next week, recognizing the unique position teachers fulfill within human labor force: though a service worker, their offerings are indispensable. Though concerned with factual information, their purview extends far beyond mere data.
“When I was in high school I had an English teacher … my brother was very ill and in the hospital, so I was taking care of my younger sibling and trying to do high school and very stressed. Everyone I talked to asked ‘How is your mom? How is your sister?’ and one day this teacher asked: ‘How are you?’ and I knew somebody cared about me,” Chemistry teacher Lori Singer said.
Education is, in many ways, sui generis: elements of counseling, data analysis, I.T., graphic design, and other occupations coalesce into a single, unique career path. Though as a teacher you are “on” all day – you can’t have a bad day and sit in your chair and watch a movie. The work never sort of abates. However, there is a sunny side, which fills educators with well-deserved pride. “If [you’re] really passionate, why not share that passion? That’s contagious,” English and Creative Writing teacher Jennifer Hallowell said. “We wouldn’t have the president or doctors [without teachers]. We’re most essential; the backbone of our society.”
Though rewarding, teachers do face a lack of societal recognition for all that goes into the professional.
“We treat teachers worse now than years ago. I think that if you want to make life better for teachers, respect is the key,” Ms. Singer said.
During this May Day and upcoming, let us all unite together as our teacher’s do the same. Vikings: let us champion the assiduous teachers who so skillfully guide us along life’s troubled path.
Would Alexander have been nearly great without Aristotle as his tutor? Could Rocky have defeated Creed without Duke’s advice? Besides our parents, we owe our most fundamental abilities to teachers: We are the saplings, and they are the gardeners. Should we not extend a fruit or two?
